My Genealogy Hound

William H. Foote, a prosperous farmer residing on his fine farm of 140 acres, located in section 16, Milford township, Oakland County, was born January 4, 1833, in Conesus, Livingston County, New York. He is a son of Dr. Henry K. and Minerva (Henderson) Foote, both natives of New York.

William Foote, the grandfather of W. H. Foote, was a native of Connecticut, from which State he removed to New York, settled in Ontario County and there operated a tinsmith shop. After removing to Michigan, he continued in the business until his decease. In his native State he was married to Mary King and they had these children: William, a deep-sea sailor who was lost sight of after starting on a trip to the West Indies; Charles C., who died on one of the lakes, while making a trip to visit relatives; Sarah (Mrs. Taylor), who died in New York City; Harriet (Mrs. Wilson); and Henry K.

Dr. Henry K. Foote came to Michigan in 1834. He was a physician and surgeon of ability, and for years practiced his noble profession in the wilds of Michigan. His figure was a familiar one, riding through unbroken fields and great stretches of timber on horseback with his saddle-bags on either side. Dr. Foote was probably the most valued and beloved citizen for many miles around. In 1863 he enlisted for service in the Civil War, becoming 2nd lieutenant in the 5th Reg., Mich. Vol. Cav., and his death occurred soon after, at Poolesville, Maryland, of congestion of the lungs, on February 8, 1863, at the age of nearly 60 years. He was deeply mourned and was survived by a widow and these children: Mary J.; William H.; Charles C. and James L. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

William H. Foote was but one year old when his parents moved to Michigan. In boyhood he attended the common schools and then learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed six years. He then turned his attention to farming and has most successfully followed the same ever since. In 1862 he purchased his present fine farm, which was formerly the property of his father. It then consisted of 120 acres of land, to which he has added 20 additional acres by purchase. He makes a specialty of dairying and was the pioneer milkman in Milford, but now disposes of his milk to the Milford Cheese Factory, whose products have a national reputation.

In 1853 Mr. Foote married Sarah E. Hastings, who was born in the State of New York, and the children born to this marriage were: George, deceased; Charles C.; Hattie M., wife of A. V. Austin; Kate, wife of J. L. Smith; and W. K.

In politics Mr. Foote is one of the leading Republicans of the section and has the honor of having been one of the first Republican voters in Oakland County. He has been a very useful man in his neighborhood, serving most capably as school director and road commissioner, although he has never sought office. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church.

The figure “3” seems to have been the familiar one in Mr. Foote’s life, as he was born in 1833, married in 1853, and he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding on September 20, 1903, when a large party of friends and relatives gathered to do them honor. They were the recipients on this occasion of many handsome and valuable presents.